For Han Li, suddenly disrupting his plans to join an unfamiliar sect was naturally less suitable than staying at the Bailu Academy. However, the female cultivator before him had offered such favorable conditions. As a rogue cultivator, outright rejecting her and insisting on joining Bailu Academy would undoubtedly raise suspicions from Master Lu. Thus, Han Li couldn’t help but inwardly roll his eyes at this sudden interloper, the Daoist Nun Hualian, silently cursing her in his heart.
“To be honest, Senior Hualian, this junior knows very little about the Huangqing Temple. But since your temple is a female-only institution, I assume its cultivation methods and techniques might not be suitable for male cultivators like myself.” After quickly weighing his options, Han Li finally came up with a plausible, albeit flimsy, excuse.
“So that’s what Brother Han is concerned about! There’s no need to worry about that. Our Huangqing Temple is actually just one branch of the Three Emperors Temple. The other two, the Huangyang Temple and the Huangsheng Temple, are both led by male cultivators, so there’s no shortage of cultivation methods for men. Moreover, I sense that Brother Han lacks the innate righteous qi required for Confucian cultivation. Joining Bailu Academy would mean starting from scratch to cultivate this qi, which would likely be even more challenging than adapting to our methods. Of course, once Confucian techniques are mastered, the power they grant with righteous qi far surpasses ordinary Daoist methods. But for Brother Han, discussing such achievements is premature. Unless… Brother Han truly looks down on our temple?” Daoist Nun Hualian smiled faintly, speaking unhurriedly, though her words carefully avoided any disrespect toward Confucianism.
“Daoist Hualian speaks wisely. Confucian techniques indeed require more time in the early stages compared to Daoist or Buddhist methods. Young Han, given your circumstances, joining the Huangqing Temple would be more suitable. Since Daoist Hualian has promised to guide you, your chances of reaching Foundation Establishment there are not entirely hopeless,” Master Lu added calmly.
Hearing this, Han Li felt speechless. It seemed unavoidable to alter his original plans—persisting further would only arouse Master Lu’s suspicions. Fortunately, the Huangqing Temple was also located within the Jade Field Mountain spiritual vein. With caution, he could likely avoid any mishaps.
Resigned to his fate, Han Li forced an expression of mild excitement: “Since both seniors advise it, this junior will defer to your arrangements!”
Pleased with his compliance, the young Daoist nun nodded in satisfaction, while Master Lu simply smiled without comment. Though Scholar Yan had hoped Han Li would join the Confucian school, he refrained from objecting since Han Li himself had not opposed the arrangement.
With Han Li’s matter settled, the conversation turned to the current political affairs of the Great Jin Dynasty rather than cultivation topics, which puzzled Han Li. While Confucians were known for their worldly engagement, it was surprising to hear a Daoist nun like Hualian discussing politics with equal ease. Could the Huangqing Temple also be an “earthly” cultivation sect? Han Li wondered.
Their lively discussion was interrupted by footsteps outside. A youthful voice announced, “Grandmaster, I have brought the Purple Essence Copper from the treasury as ordered.”
“Good, bring it in,” Master Lu replied without hesitation.
“Purple Essence Copper!” Han Li’s interest was piqued. This material was excellent for crafting top-tier magical tools or even treasures. While it meant little to him, it was undoubtedly rare and valuable to the others.
A fair-skinned boy of about eleven or twelve entered, carrying a large red tray covered with silver brocade. He placed it respectfully on the table between Hualian and Master Lu before stepping back.
“Dismissed. We have no further need of you here,” Master Lu said coolly. The boy bowed deeply and retreated.
Master Lu then pushed the tray toward Hualian. “Here is the Purple Essence Copper you requested. Your temple’s extensive material gathering suggests you’re crafting something significant—a top-tier tool or perhaps a treasure?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know the details. I’m merely acting on Fourth Aunt’s orders. If you wish to know more, you might inquire directly with her,” Hualian replied apologetically.
“No need. I was merely curious,” Master Lu said, his expression flickering slightly at the mention of “Fourth Aunt.”
Hualian smiled, lifting the brocade to reveal a pile of gleaming purple metal. After thanking Master Lu, she stored the materials in a pouch at her waist.
With her objectives fulfilled, Hualian soon took her leave. Master Lu summoned a boy to escort her out, and Han Li followed suit.
Once they departed, the hall fell silent. Scholar Yan and Master Lu sat wordlessly, the former deep in thought.
“Are you prepared? Only by aiding me in mastering the ‘Devouring Truth Unity Art’ can I have a seventy to eighty percent chance of defeating Niu Tiande. Everything is ready—you’re not having second thoughts now, are you?” Master Lu’s voice was low and emotionless.
“Hmph! To avenge my clan, I care not for this wretched body. My only fear is that once you gain this power, you’ll shrink from confronting that demon, rendering my sacrifice meaningless,” Scholar Yan retorted coldly.
“Have so little faith in me? Once I inherit your righteous qi—and the resentment within it—I cannot fully assimilate it until Niu Tiande is dead. For the sake of your potent qi, I will honor our pact. Besides, who else would dare defy the Black Sun Sect to aid you?” Master Lu replied calmly.
“True. Over the years, I’ve befriended many cultivators, but only you need my help enough to risk this. Others either lack the power or the will to defy a top demonic sect.” Scholar Yan’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms.
“Naturally. Niu Tiande, as an enforcer of the Black Sun Sect, is no trivial foe. But we Confucians have no such reservations against demonic paths. For five years, I’ve accommodated your every request—surely that demonstrates my sincerity.”
Scholar Yan remained silent, his gaze icy.
“Very well. To ease your mind, I’ll swear a Heart-Lock Oath before the Sages’ image. If I fail, my righteous qi will stagnate forever.” Master Lu sighed.
“Good. Then I shall aid you without reservation. It’s not that I distrust you, but as the sole survivor of my clan, I must be cautious.” Scholar Yan exhaled, his face rigid.
“I understand. We begin in one month. Settle your affairs by then.” Master Lu waved a hand.
Scholar Yan nodded, and silence reclaimed the room.
“Why did Huangqing Temple insist on taking that Han boy? Couldn’t they find a smithing disciple here?” Scholar Yan suddenly asked.
“I merely went along with it. The artifact they’re crafting must be extraordinary—they’re short on materials and even smithing hands. Borrowing low-level disciples from us would require excessive safeguards. Han, as an unaffiliated smith, was a convenient solution.” Master Lu shrugged.
Scholar Yan relaxed, reassured there was no ulterior motive.
Meanwhile, Daoist Nun Hualian flew with Han Li on a handkerchief-like artifact toward a shorter peak opposite Illusory Cloud Summit.
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